Follow Us on Twitter

Josh Hart Drafted 30th Overall by the Los Angeles Lakers

Even after he played his final collegiate basketball game, Josh Hart never stopped working. In fact, he might have even pushed harder, keeping himself more than busy this offseason.

The 6-foot-5 wing worked out for 15 NBA teams, and now, his hard work has helped make his future a bit more clearer. Hart’s NBA dream became reality on Thursday night, as he was selected 30th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.

He becomes the second Villanovan to be drafted in the last three seasons, after Darrun Hilliard was taken in the second round by the Detroit Pistons back in 2015.

To make matters even sweeter, he is the first Wildcat to be selected in the first round in 11 seasons. Randy Foye (seventh overall) and Kyle Lowry (24th) were both picked in the 2006 NBA Draft.

Hart is known for his scoring ability. He can pop threes and attack the basket. He also excels on the other end of the court, sharing Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors as a standout this past season. He also crashes the board very well for a guard.

He enjoyed a successful career on the Main Line. Together with Kris Jenkins and Darryl Reynolds, he was a part of 129 victories, the most ever by a graduating class in program history.

This past season, he averaged 18.7 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game. He knocked down 51.0 percent of his shots and 40.4 of his takes from long range. He was named Big East Player of the Year, an AP All-American, and a finalist for National Player of the Year.

Over his four years at Villanova, he scored 1,921 points and grabbed 812 rebounds, and was a key cog in the 2016 run to a National Championship.

Hart joins a Lakers’ squad of guards that includes Jordan Clarkson, David Nwaba, Tyler Ennis, and the recently drafted Lonzo Ball (second overall).

About The Author

Eugene Rapay '16 created "The Bench Mob" in November 2013. He joined the Villanova Times in 2012 as a writer. A Westchester, NY native, who will bring top quality coverage of all things Villanova sports.